ASPS study proves plastic surgery reality tv shows directly influence patients to have surgery

For Immediate Release: July 23, 2007

Arlington Heights, Ill. — The debate over whether reality TV influences its audience is settled. According to a study published in July’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), first-time patients seeking cosmetic plastic surgery are directly influenced to have surgery by the plastic surgery reality television shows they watch.

“Despite widespread unease about the effects that reality television shows have on patient decision making and expectations, no data existed on how these shows affected potential patients,” said John Persing, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study co-author. “The majority of patients reported being directly influenced and, interestingly, ethnicity also played a role on how frequently these shows were watched and how they influenced patients.”

The study examined 42 cosmetic plastic surgery patients. Fifty-seven percent of patients were considered high-intensity viewers of plastic surgery shows, regularly watching at least one ongoing program. Patients in the high-intensity category reported a greater influence from television and the media to pursue cosmetic plastic surgery, felt more knowledgeable about plastic surgery in general and believed plastic surgery reality TV shows were more similar to real life than low-intensity viewers did. In addition, four out of five people reported television directly influenced them to pursue a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, with nearly one-third very much or moderately influenced.

Shows considered in this study included Extreme Makeover (ABC), The Swan (FOX), I Want a Famous Face (MTV), Plastic Surgery: Before and After (TLC), Dr. 90210 (E!) and Miami Slice (Bravo). “It is unfortunate that patients are turning toward the entertainment industry for educational information – we had hoped for different results,” said Dr. Persing. “These shows may create unrealistic, unhealthy expectations about what plastic surgery can do for you. Although it’s called reality TV, it may not be reality.”

Nearly 11 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2006 – up 7 percent from 2005, according to ASPS statistics. If you are considering plastic surgery and have questions or concerns derived from what you have seen in the media, please consult with one of our surgeons before making any decisions. Please call (210) 692-1181 to schedule a consultation today.